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Word Count : 11012
Date : October 9, 2025

5 Signs Your Loved One Could Benefit from Preventative Care
At Home

Caring for an ageing loved one often involves noticing the little things — the subtle changes in their routine, confidence, or wellbeing that may suggest they’re struggling more than they let on. While it’s natural to want to respect their independence, acting early with preventative care at home can make all the difference in helping them stay safe, healthy, and happy in familiar surroundings.

Preventative care at home focuses on addressing small issues before they become crises, allowing older adults to maintain their independence and avoid unnecessary hospital visits. This approach brings peace of mind to families, knowing that the right level of support is already in place.

According to Age UK, around 1 in 3 people over 65 experience a fall each year, and falls account for over 240,000 emergency hospital admissions annually in England. Many of these incidents are preventable with the right early support.

If you’re unsure whether your loved one might benefit from preventative care, here are five key signs to look out for.

What Are the Signs That a Loved One May Need Preventative Care?

Recognising when a loved one might need preventative care isn’t always straightforward. Many changes happen gradually, and older adults often minimise their difficulties because they don’t want to feel like a burden.

However, there are common signs that suggest someone could benefit from early support — before daily tasks or health challenges become overwhelming. These include noticeable shifts in:

Increasing Forgetfulness or Confusion

Everyone forgets things now and again — we all misplace our keys or forget appointments occasionally. But when forgetfulness becomes frequent or begins to affect your loved one’s safety, it could indicate the need for extra support.

Common signs include:

  • Forgetting whether medication has been taken
  • Missing meals or eating at irregular times
  • Getting lost on familiar routes
  • Repeating questions or conversations frequently

Preventative care can make a huge difference here. Carers can provide gentle reminders, help with medication management, and offer regular reassurance. This not only helps maintain safety but also eases anxiety for both the person receiving care and their family.

Declining Personal Hygiene or Appearance

Changes in hygiene or appearance can be one of the earliest outward signs that someone is struggling. You might notice unwashed clothes, body odour, or neglected grooming. This isn’t always due to forgetfulness — sometimes, it’s because the person finds daily tasks physically difficult or emotionally overwhelming.

Preventative care allows for dignified, discreet support. A carer can help with bathing, dressing, or washing clothes, all while maintaining your loved one’s sense of privacy and control.

Left unaddressed, poor hygiene can lead to skin infections, reduced self-esteem, or social withdrawal. With early care, these issues can often be avoided entirely — promoting both physical health and emotional wellbeing.

Reduced Mobility or Frequent Near-Misses

One of the most common — and serious — signs that someone needs support is a noticeable decline in mobility or balance. You might see them move more slowly, hold onto furniture, or avoid stairs altogether.

The NHS reports that falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults, yet many falls happen in the home and could be prevented through early intervention.

Preventative care can include:

  • Help with daily movement or exercises to build strength

  • Home safety checks (e.g., removing trip hazards, adding rails)

  • Support with stairs, walking, or transfers

A carer’s presence provides reassurance and reduces the likelihood of injuries — offering both practical help and peace of mind.

A carer assisting an older person with preparing fresh vegetables in the kitchen, showing preventative care at home that supports nutrition and independence.

Changes in Eating Habits or Weight

If you’ve noticed that your loved one is eating less, losing weight, or skipping meals, this could signal reduced appetite, loneliness, or even difficulty preparing food. Poor nutrition in later life can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and increased risk of illness.

Preventative care can help by ensuring meals are nutritious, regular, and tailored to your loved one’s preferences. A carer might help with grocery shopping, meal prep, or simply keeping company during mealtimes — which can make a surprising difference to appetite.

Increased Isolation or Withdrawal

Social withdrawal is often one of the most overlooked warning signs. If your loved one used to enjoy hobbies, chats with neighbours, or attending social clubs but now prefers to stay home, they may be feeling lonely or depressed.

Loneliness doesn’t just affect mood — it has physical effects too. Research by the Campaign to End Loneliness shows that chronic loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia by up to 50%.

Preventative care provides regular companionship, emotional support, and structure. A friendly carer’s visit can brighten their day, rekindle interest in hobbies, and restore confidence in going out or socialising.

Even a short visit each day can create meaningful human connection — and that connection is often what helps people thrive.

Taking the Next Step

Recognising these early signs doesn’t mean your loved one needs full-time care, far from it.

Preventative care at home is about balance: providing the right amount of support to maintain independence, safety, and quality of life.

At The Great Care Company, we believe that good care starts before there’s a crisis. Our preventative home care services are designed to give families peace of mind and older adults the freedom to live confidently in their own homes.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, don’t wait until something goes wrong. Reach out to our friendly team for free, no-obligation advice. We’ll listen, assess your loved one’s needs, and help you explore the best options for care and support.

Preventative Care FAQ’s

What is preventative care?

Preventative care focuses on identifying and managing health and wellbeing issues early, helping people stay independent and avoid hospital admissions.

How is preventative care different from regular care?

Regular care often addresses existing needs, while preventative care aims to stop issues from developing — such as falls, malnutrition, or loneliness.

Who can benefit from preventative care?

Anyone starting to show early signs of needing help — particularly older adults living alone or recovering from illness — can benefit.

Does preventative care mean losing independence?

Not at all. It’s about empowering individuals to stay independent for longer, with just the right level of support.

How can I arrange preventative care for my loved one?

Simply contact The Great Care Company for a free, no-obligation chat. We’ll listen, assess needs, and help you find a care plan that fits.

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